Mixing machine



March a, 1949.. NIELSEN 2,463,995

MIXING MACHINE Filed Sept. 28, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 C. NIELSEN MIXING MACHINE March 8, 1949.

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 28, 1945 w W 5 m m% J 0 m a M C Patented Mar. 8, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE MIXING MACHINE Claudius Nielsen, Detroit, Mich.

Application September 28, 1945, Serial No. 619,244

7 Claims.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a mixing machine, adapted for use in mixing cleaning compounds in powdered form in water which is delivered into a tank and from which the solution is led off for cleaning purposes.

In machines of this class the water is delivered into the mixing container from a suitable source such as the city water supply. A suitable valve control which is generally float operated is used to control the delivery of water into the tank or mixing container. Various forms of feeding mechanisms have been devised for delivering the cleaning compound into the mixing tank. A common use for machines of this type is the cleaning of painted surfaces. The machine is also used for cleaning automobiles, busses, tile surfaces, terra cotta surfaces, brick walls and the like. For the various surfaces the cleaning compound is selected because of its properties and in view of the cleaning operation which it is supposed to perform. It is important that the solution which is led off from the mixing tank on a certain job shall be of uniform intensity or strength. This is particularly important where painted surfaces are being cleaned in as much as a solution of excessive strength might result in the removal of the paint itself.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mixing machine of this class so constructed and arranged that a positive control of the delivery of water into the mixing tank and a positive control of the cleaning compound into the mixing tank is obtained so that a pre-determined proportion between the amount of Water delivered and the amount of cleaning compound delivered may be always maintained thus assuring a solution of common strength.

Another object of the invention is the provision in the mixing tank of an auxiliary tank in which a float is adapted to engage and with which is associated a mechanism operable through the rise of the liquid in the mixing tank to open and close the auxiliary tank.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a mixing machine of this class of mechanism for positively and quickly in a rapid movement opening the water control valve to permit water to flow in and at the same time for closing the clutch which operates the mixing mechanism so that the flow of water and the flow of cleaning compound into the tank begins substantially simultaneously and also terminates simultaneously.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a mixing tank of this class of a mechanism which is automatic in its operation so that the operator who may be drawing the.solution from the tank at a great distance therefrom is free to perform his own operation without consideration of the operation of the mechanism in the mixing tank.

Another object of the invention is the provision in combination with a mixing tank of flexible conduits for leading the solution from the mixing tank and provided with control valves adjacent the ends thereof so that the operator may control the delivery of the solution through the flexible conduits.

Another object of the invention is the provision in combination with a mixing tank or machine of this class of an auxiliary or storage reservoir from which the solution is delivered to the work.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a mixing machine of this class so constructed and arranged that it may be easily and quickly transported from place to place and is of a portable nature.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a brush having a liquid delivery passage formed therein and provided with a control valve for controlling the flow of liquid to said brush.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a cleaning brush which will be substantially dripless so that it may be safely used in the interior of a building without effecting any considerable mess.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a cleaning brush having a plurality of rows of bristles spaced apart by an absorbent material such as cotton or the like with the bristles alternating with the rows of absorbent material.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

It is recognized that various modifications and changes may be made in the detail of structure illustrated without departing from the invention itself and it is intended that such variations and modifications may be encompassed within the scope of the claims which form a, part hereof.

Forming a part of this specification are drawings in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken online 3-3 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 44 of Fi 2) Fig. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 1--7 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the brush used in the invention.

In the drawings I have illustrated the invention constructed so that it is portable and may be moved about from place to place. This is an advantage particularly in cleaning large surfaces or operating in large rooms which are tov be cleaned. I provide a supporting frame embodying the rails ii and i2. The castor fork i3 is provided with a stud it which projects through the plate i5 and rail i through the spacing lock it so that the structure is thus secured togetlier. A traction wheel or castor i1 is carried by the castor fork i3. This castor H is mounted preferably at the medial line of the forward end of the supporting frame.

A shaft i8 is projected through suitable bearings i9 at the rear side of the supporting frame and also through the flanges 28 of a motor support. Mounted on opposite ends of the shaft W are the traction wheels A mixing tank 2| is provided with a base 22 secured to which and projecting downwardly therefrom are the supporting legs 23 which are mounted on the supporting frame.

An electric motor 24 is mounted on the supporting frame and the shaft of this motor extends into a gear housing 25 into which projects a shaft 26 of a pump 21. The motor 24 is connected by the wire 29 to the switchin the switch box 23' which is operated by the switch arm 55.

An inlet pipe 28 is provided which is attached to a source of water supply under pressure. This inlet supply pipe 28 is adapted to communicate through the solenoid valve 30 with the pipe 3| which connects to the T 32 and is adapted to communicate with the valve 34 and the elbow 35 with a valve positioned on the inside of the tank 2|, the description of which will be given hereinafter. Communicating with the pipe 28 is a bypass line embodying the parts 36, 31 and 38 to establish communication with the fitting 40. This fitting 40 is shown as being provided at one side with a flexible conduit or hose 4| and as being plugged with the cap 48' at the opposite side. In this conduit or delivery line 4| is interposed a manually operated control valve 43 controlling the ilow of liquid to the hose 44 on the end of which is mounted an outlet nozzle 45. I have shown this delivery line 4| connected to a belt 42 whch would be worn by the operator when using the device. The water by-passed through the hoses 4| and 44 would thus serve as a rinse water so that the operator would have rinsing water available when needed.

A flexible conduit 46 serves to connect the interior of the tank 2| with the inlet side of the pump 21 the outlet side of the pump 21 is connected through the conduit 41 and the pressure valve 48 with the interior of a pressure tank 49 on which is mounted the pressure gauge 58. An

outlet delivery pipe 5| communicates with the interior of the pressure tank 49 and also with the manually operated valves 52 and 56. A flexible conduit 53 communicates with the valve 52 and carries at its end the cleaning brush 54 which connects through the valve 55 with the conduit 53. The outlet delivery pipe 5| communicates with the tank 49 through a pressure switch 51 which is connected by the wire 58 and serves to control the motor 24 which drives the pump 21. This pressure switch 51 may be set at any desired pressure so that delivery of liquid into the pressure tank 99 is controlled to the pressure which is set.

The shaft 62 of the motor 24 is provided with a pulley 5| around which fastens a belt 83 which serves to drive the pulley 64 fixedly mounted on the shaft 85. This shaft 65"projects through a bracket 85 which depends from the bottom 22 of the tank 2i .and serves as a support for the shaft 85. The shaft 85 is provided with worm 61 meshing with worm gear 68 fixedly mounted on the shaft 59 which projects through bushing 89 of the bracket 88 and extends through the packing gland ii) and the ball 1| on the bottom 22 of the tank 2|. This ball 1| serves as a bearing for the shaft 89. Fixedly mounted on the shaft 69 is a gear 12 meshing with a gear 13 which is mounted on the bolt 14 as an axle. Secured eccentric to the gear 13 and projecting upwardly therefrom is a stud 16 to which is pivotally connected one end of an arm 11' the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to an agitating blade 18, a plurality of which project outwardly from the hub 19 loosely positioned on the shaft 89. Construction is such that as the shaft 69 is rotated the vanes or paddles 18 are oscillated or rocked thus serving to mix the liquid which is deposited in the tank 2| and assures a thorough mixing of the liquid with the powdered washing compound which is also deposited in the tank 2|.

A cover is provided for the tank 2|. This cover is provided with an opening 8| formed therein. Mounted on the cover and projecting upwardly therefrom is a hopper 82 having a lid 82. Slidably positioned on the cover 88 is a plate 83 which may be projected across the opening 8| and serve as a closure therefor. Projecting upwardly from this plate 83 is a lug 84 to which one end of the link 85 is pivoted the opposite end of the link being pivotally connected to the bell crank 88 which is pivotally mounted on the cover 80. By rocking the bell crank 86 the plate 83 may be moved into position to close the opening 8| or moved out of closing position to leave the opening 8| unobstructed. Mounted on the cover 88 is the head 88 over which the lower end of the hopper 82 is adapted to fit. Found in the head 88 is an opening 81 through which powdered washing compounds positioned in the hopper 82 may pass. The head 88 is provided on its under surfaces with a cavity 88A which overlies the opening 8| in the cover 80. Rotatably mounted in this cavity is a feeder plate 9| provided on its periphery with spaced apart recesses 9|A. Projecting downwardly from the feeder plate 9| centrally is a tube 92 having'a tongue 92A extended outwardly therefrom. This tube also extends above the feeder plate 9|.. as a boss and engages in an opening formed inthe head 88 which serves as a bearing therefor. Slidably mounted on the shaft 69 is a sleeve 98 carrying on its upper end an upwardly projecting feeder plate 9|, comes into registration with the opening 8| the washing compound will pass by gravity downwardly through the opening 8| into the interior of the tank 2|. It is believed obvious that by regulating the distance of slidable movement of the closure plate 83 the size of the opening through this washing compound may pass into the tank 2| may be varied thus regulating the amount of compound which will pass into the tank 2| upon a rotation of the feeder plate 9|. The sleeve 90A is provided on its lower end with a pair of spaced apart ribs which project outwardly from the periphery thereof and provide a channel in which the ends of alork may be engaged so that upon a rocking of the fork the sleeve 90A may he slid upwardly or downwardly on the shaft 69 so as to be moved to operative or in-operative position.

Embracing the sleeve 90A is a hub 94 projecting outwardly from which are a plurality of arms 97 which are secured at their outer ends to the tank 2|. This construction provides a sort of spider which is secured in fixed relation to the tank 2|. Secured to and projecting downwardly from one of the arms 9'! is a supporting bracket 98 on which is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends an actuating fork 99 which is pivotally connected to one end of the rod I DI the other end of said rod I being pivotally connected to the lever I02. This lever I02 is fixedly connected to the lug I03 which serves as a valve actuating shaft and which is pivotally mounted by means of the pin I04 on the section I05 of the fitting on which is formed a valve seat I06. A valve head I0|iA is slidably mounted in the fitting and is adapted to be moved by the cam I03 into engagement with the seat I06 so as to shut off the inflow of water through the pipe 35 into the tank 2|. Pivotally mounted on the opposite end of the lever I02 is float I01. A rod I08 is hooked around the lever I02 and the upper end of this rod is pivotally connected eccentrically to a disc I98A fixedly mounted on a shaft III which projects to the exterior of the tank 2| and on the outer end of which is fixedly mounted a handle I 12. The construction is such that when the float iIl'I rises to a pre-determined height the valve head |06A will be moved into closing position and shut off the inflow of water. Should it be desired to shut off the inflow of water independently of the float I01 this may be accomplished by rocking the rod I I I to lift through the medium of the rod I08 the lever I02. The operator would ordinarily resort to this action when he notices that there is suflicient cleaning solution in the tank 2| to finish the job on which he is working. It of course is necessary that when the inflow of water into the tank 2| is shut off the inflow of the cleaning compound should also be shut off in order that a solution of uniform strength may be obtained. When the lever I02 is rocked upwardly it will effect a downward movement of forked end of the lever 99 and cause the sleeve 90A to slide downwardly so that the tongues 92A and 93 will be disengaged. Itisunderstood that while the sleeve 90A is longitudinally slidable on the shaft 69 it always rotates in unison with it. When it is slid downwardly so that the tongues 92A and 93 are no longer in engagement the feeding plate 9| will of course remain stationary and no more washing compound can be carried from the opening 81 to register with the opening 8|. Consequently when the operator by rocking the handle |I2 locks the valve pin IGBA in closed position so that no more water may enter the tank 2| he at the same time eflects a disengagement of the clutch formed by the sleeve A and the cooperating tongue 92A and 93. Likewise when the arm I 02 is rocked upwardly in response to the buoyant action of the float I01 the same action will take place. The bend of the arm I02 and the length thereof as well as the distance of the float I0'I therefrom is such that when a predetermined amount of water has flown into the tank 2| so that a water level of a pre-determined height has been reached float IIl'I will have moved upwardly sufliciently to effect a closing of the inlet valve and to effect a disengagement of the feeder plate clutch.

Mounted on the inside of the tank 2| is asupporting bracket or table II'I on the upper surfaces of which is positioned a layer II6 of rubber or other suitable flexible sealing material. Positioned to rest upon this layer H6 is a cylindrical body ||4 open at both ends. Projecting upwardly from the table II! is a stud II8 on which is pivotally mounted the yoke arm I I9, this yoke arm being mounted on the stud II8 intermediate the ends of the yoke arm. This yoke arm is connected by the pin I20 to the cylindrical body II I so that as the yoke arm II9 is rocked upwardly and downwardly the cylindrical body II I will also be rocked upwardly and downwardly. Projecting outwardly from the cylindrical body are spaced apart lugs |I5 which ongage at opposite sides of the standard or post H8 and serve as guide members. Projecting upwardly from the bed or table III is a spring arm I2I having a hook I 22 formed on its upper end and adapted to engage the end face of the yoke arm H9. The float I23 is pivotally connected to the opposite ends of the yoke arm H9. The construction is such that as the liquid rises in the tank 2| the float I23 will also rise and force the member II 4 downwardly into sealing relation with the layer I I6 of rubber or other flexible material so as to form a chamber or compartment in which the float I 01 is positioned. As the liquid rises in the tank 2| sufficiently high it will overflow into the member II I over the upper edge thereof and serve to fill the compartment formed by the member II4. Consequently. the float I01 moves upwardly and downwardly in response to the amount of liquid in the member II4. As the liquid is used out of the tank 2| the float I23 will move downwardly until arm I I9 has been rocked sufficiently to raise the cylindrical body II4 off of the layer IIB. This will permit the liquid in the member M4 to be discharged therefrom rapidly almost instantaneously so that the float I01 will drop with a very rapid movement. This will force the sleeve 90A to move upwardl into clutch closing position by a very rapid movement and it has been found that this rapid movement to clutch closing position is necessary, or at least very desirable as experience has shown that when the sleeve 90A is moved up gradually an operation of the compound feedin plate 9| will not be effected in unison with the opening of the valve which permits the water to flow into the tank 2 I. In the present arrangement using the dual float operation the clutch is moved into operative position rockably and simultaneously with the opening of the valve which permits the inflow of water into the tank 2 I. Consequently as the water hegins to flow into the tank 2| the feeding of the washing compound also begins.

The tank I is also in communication with the pressure tank 49 by means of a by-pass conduit I25 in which is interposed the manually operable 7 valve I26 and a check valve I21. When the valve I26 is opened the liquid in the pressure tank 49 may flow into the tank 2| and the check valve I21 prevents liquid flowing from the tank I2| through the conduit I25 into the pressure tank 49.

In the drawings I have illustrated the invention adapted for use simultaneously with two operators but equipped for one operator. Should a second operator desire to use the machine a hose would have to be fastened to the outlet end of the valve 56 and also the plug 40 would have to be removed and provided with a hose similar to the hose 4|.

In operation the operator after connecting the liquid delivery pipe 28 to the source of water under pressure and after making the proper electrical connection so that the motor 24 may be driven, and this is usually efiected by means of an extension cord and a socket plug, the operator would then close the switch 59, the hopper 82 having been previously filled with the proper kind of cleaning compound in pulverized form sufliciently fine so that it may be properly fed into the tank 2|. When the switch 59 is closed the solenoid valve 30 will open and permit flow of liquid through the pipe 3|, the fitting 32 the open valve 34 and the elbow 35 through the full operated valve which will be open. Motor 24 will be operated immediately upon opening of the solenoid valve 30 so that the compound feeding mechanism will also be operated. Likewise the agitating blade I8 will be operating to efiect a mixture of the cleaning compound and the water as both are deposited in the tank 2|. The pump of course would be operating and consequently the liquid would be withdrawn from the tank 2| and forced into the tank 49. The operator however would have opened the valve I26 so that the liquid delivered to the pressure tank 49 would return to the tank 2| and this condition would continue until the desired or pre-determined liquid level of the liquid in the tank 2| had been reached. When this liquid level in the tank 2| has been reached the inflow of water into the tank 2| will of course cease and the feeding of cleaning compound into the tank 2| will also have stopped. When this has been accomplished the operator would then close the valve I26 so that pressure would then be built up in the pressure tank 49. The pressure switch 51 would be set at a maximum and minimum pressure and when the maximum pressure is reached the circuit to the motor 24 and the solenoid valve 3|] would be broken and when the minimum pressure is reached these circuits would again be closed. The operator wearing the belt 42 could then utilize the cleaning solution passing through the hose or conduit 53 and he could also utilize the rinsing water passing through the hoses 4| and 44 and emitting through the nozzle 45 which is provided with the control valve 45A;

The cleaning solution delivered through the hose 53 and through the valve 55 is carried by the flexible conduit or hose I32 to the brush. This brush comprises a handle-forming portion I33 which projects outwardly from the back I34. Mounted on this back is a fitting I35 having a pocket I36 formed therein and adapted to be closed by the valve pin I31 operated by the valve handle I38. Projecting outwardly from one face of the back I34 are alternate rows of bristles I 39 and absorbent material such as cotton I40. Passages |4I are formed through the back I34 into the rows I40 of cotton or absorbent material these passages communicating with the passage I36.

x 8 Thus the operator by operating the valve handle I38 has complete control of the cleaning solution to the cleaning brush and by using the absorbent material "which forms a part of the brush the operator is permitted to obtain the exact amount of cleaning solution which is necessary for the operation without any excess material. This will prevent the flowing of the cleaning solution downwardly from a wall which is being cleaned and prevent an excessive accumulation of cleaning solution on the floor or the like.

It will be noted that when the machine has been set in operation as described the operator, who may be at a considerable distance from the machine, depending upon the length of the conduits 4| and 53 will have complete control of the operation of the machine. By opening and closing the valve I31 the flow of cleaning solution from the pressure tank 49 will be controlled. As this cleaning solution is withdrawn from the pressure tank 49 and the liquid level in the tank 2| lowers the mechanism will automatically be operated to replenish the water in the tank 2| and at the same time feed into the tank 2| the proper amount of cleaning compound in proportion to the amount of water which has entered the tank 2|. In this way the solution of desired strength is always obtainable. Experience has shown that the invention is one which is highly efiicient in use making it possible to effect a cleaning of high class expeditiously and without the customary fuss.

What I claim as new is:

1. In a machine of the class described a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; means for delivering water into said tank; float operated means for controlling delivery of water into said tank; a float for operating said float operated means; means for feeding washing compound in powdered form into said tank in proportion to the amount of. water delivered into said tank; and means for actuating said feeding means simultaneously with operation of said float operaterl control means; a water container in said tank for reception of said float; and means for effecting the quick emptying of said container.

2. In a machine of the class described, a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; means for delivering water into said tank; means for controlling the delivery of water into said tank; a liquid container in said tank comprising wall forming portion and a separate bottom forming portion adapted, upon engagement of said wall forming portion and said bottom forming portion, for containing liquids and adapted for being filled with liquid upon the rising of the liquid in said tank to a. pre-determined level; a float in said container; means for actuating said control means and connected to and operated by said float; and means operable upon the lowering of the liquid level in said tank to a predetermined levcl for moving said wall forming portion and said bottom forming portion into spaced relation for effecting a rapid emptying of said container.

3. In a machine of the class described, a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water;

means for deliverin water into said tank; means for controlling the delivery of water into said tank; a liquid container in said tank comprising a wall forming portion and a separate bottom forming portion adapted, upon engagement of said wall forming portion and said bottom forming portion, for containing liquids and adapted for being filled with liquid upon the rising of the liquid in said tank to a predetermined level; a float in said container; means for actuating said control means and connected to and perated by said float; and means operable upon the lowering of the liquid level in said tank to a pre-determined level for moving said wall forming portion and said bottom forming portion into spaced relation for effecting a rapid emptying of said container; means for feeding washing compound into said tank; and means operable upon the raising and lowering of said float in said container for controlling the operation of said Washin compound feeding means.

4. In a machine of the class described a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; means for delivering water into said tank; means for controlling the delivery of water into said tank; a liquid container in said tank comprising a wall forming portion and a separate bottom forming portion adapted upon engagement of said wall forming portion with said bottom forming portion for containing liquids; a float in said container; mean for operating said liquid controlling means upon the rising and lowering of said float; means for delivering washing compound in powdered form into said tank; and means operable upon the raising and lowering of said float for controlling the operation of said washing compound delivering means. I

5. In a machine of the class described a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; a pressure tank communicating with said mixing tank; a pump for pumpin liquid from said mixing tank into said pressure tank; means for agitating the liquid in said mixing tank; an electric motor for driving said agitating means and operating said pump; and means for controlling the circuit to said motor dependent upon the pressure in said pressure tank.

6. In a machine of the class described, a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; means for delivering water into said tank; means for controlling the delivery of water into said tank; a liquid container in saidtank, comprising: a wall-forming portion and a closure for the bottom thereof, said wall-forming portion and said closure being relatively movable, said closure being movable to closing and non-closing position and said container being adapted for containing liquid and for being filled with liquid upon rising of the liquid in said tank to a pre-determinedlevel; a float in said container; actuating control means connected to and operated by said float; and means operable upon the lowering of the liquid level in said tank to a predetermined level for moving said closure to non-closing position for effecting a rapid emptying of said container.

7. In a machine of the class described, a mixing tank adapted for the reception of water; means for delivering water into said tank; means for controlling the delivery of water into said tank; a liquid container in said tank, comprising: a wall-forming portion and a closure for the bottom thereof, said wall-forming portion and said closure being relatively movable, said closure being movable to closing and non-closing position and said container being adapted for containing liquid and for being filled with liquid upon rising of the liquid in said tank to a pre-determined level; a float in said container; actuating control means connected to and operated by said float; and means operable upon the lowering of the liquid level in said tank to a predetermined level for moving said closure to non-closing position for effecting a rapid emptying of said container; means for feeding washing compound in powdered form into said tank in proportion to the amount of water delivered into said tank; means for operating said feeding; and means controlling the operation of said means connected to said float and operable upon the rising and lowering of said float.

CLAUDIUS NIELSEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 939,906 Grant Nov. 9, 1909 1,173,796 Gottlieb Feb. 29, 1916 1,250,767 Bass Dec. 18, 1917 1,344,008 Treese June 22, 1920 1,706,418 Sissom Mar. 26, 1929 1,737,609 Nielsen Dec. 3, 1929 1,947,851 Jewett Feb. 20, 1934 2,054,042 Pipes Sept. 8, 1936 2,276,237 Lowry Mar. 10, 1942 2,386,419 Auer 0ct..9, 1945 

